Tray vs Tub: What is Best for Your Ute? 

In the world of 4×4 Accessories, there is no debate longer ongoing than the Ute tub versus Ute tray debate. Today we’re going to try and shed some light on this question and hopefully provide you with some quality advice on what’s best for you and your Ute. 

What is a Ute Tub? 

A Ute tub is the painted rear end of a Ute, complete with a drop-down tailgate. Sometimes referred to as a ‘styleside’ Ute, it is what most people imagine when they imagine a Ute rear end in their minds as most Utes will be sold with a Tub body as opposed to a tray.  

The defining feature of a Ute tub is its drop down painted rear tailgate, with (typically) a large centre handle to open said tailgate. You will also notice that a Ute tub does not have a completely flat cargo area, as the load area is built around the vehicle’s wheels i.e. you can see the wheel wells protrude into the cargo area.  

What Are the Benefits of a Ute Tub? 

1. Cost: The cost of a Ute tub is always included in the purchase price of a dual cab Ute. It is typically the standard option when purchasing a new Ute. As a result, owners will not need to pay any more money to have a basic storage solution to transport any of the things they would like to carry in their Ute bed.  

2. They look better: Though this can be a little bit subjective, all Ute tubs are designed by manufacturers to complete the look of their dual cab Utes and present an attractive vehicle to their customers. They are also painted to the same colour as the rest of the vehicle which adds to their visual appeal. As such, Ute tubs look like they are more a ‘part’ of the vehicle when compared to Ute trays which are a more generic product designed to suit multiple makes and models.  

3. They have more accessories available: Because Ute tubs are the standard option when purchasing a new Ute, they outnumber Utes with Ute trays greatly. As a result, there are many more companies in the market which provide accessories for Ute tubs when compared to ute trays. Companies like Oz Canopies & 4×4 provide tonneau covers, roller shutters, steel canopies, fiberglass canopies, hard lids, tub liners and more all for Ute tubs.  

What is a Ute Tray? 

A Ute tray is a square or rectangular flatbed fitted to the back of a Ute to allow for the carrying of cargo. Typically, they will have tray sides which can be opened to allow for easier loading and unloading of cargo and to allow for more goods to be carried. They also typically have headboards fitted. A headboard is a barrier between the back of the cabin and the cargo area of the tray.  

What Are the Benefits of a Ute Tray? 

You can carry more cargo: 

Unlike Ute tubs, Ute trays are flat beds that built over the wheels of a Ute, which means that the wheel cavity does not protrude into the cargo area, allowing for a large flat surface to carry more cargo.  

More customisation options:  

Want to build a custom frame to carry glass and attach it to the back of your Ute? Or perhaps you would like to add tall ladder racks to the rear of your Ute to carry long heavy bits of timber? Or maybe even a small hydraulic lift to pick up heavy items off the road with ease?  

All of this and more is possible with a Ute tray. You can think of Ute trays like blank canvas for you to customise to your heart’s content depending on your requirements for work or play.  

They are sturdier and more resilient to damage: 

Ute trays are typically manufactured from heavy duty aluminium or steel and have a much more industrial and damage resistant design than Ute tubs. Accidentally backing up too far and touching a wall or mindlessly loading the cargo area with goods is rarely and issue with a Ute tray.  

What is the Difference Between a Ute Tub and Ute Tray? 

1. Cost. Ute tubs are included in the purchase price of all dual cab Utes you can purchase on the market today, whereas Ute trays are an option you must pay for with the dealer or an aftermarket provider. Therefore, Ute trays typically end up having a higher cost than Ute tubs.  

2. Cargo carrying capacity. Ute tubs typically have smaller dimensions and due to the wheel cavities protruding into the cargo carrying area of the tub, have less cargo carrying capacity than a Ute tray. 

3. Ute tubs have a more cohesive design with the rest of the vehicle. Ute tubs are designed by Ute manufacturers to match the look and feel of the rest of the vehicle and as a result the final product looks like it belongs to the vehicle much more so than a Ute tray. Ute trays are typically designed to be a universal application product, only available in a few standard colours at most, therefore stand out more visually to the rest of the vehicle.  

4. Ute trays have more customisation options. Think of Ute trays as a blank canvas. Want to put high tray sides on the side of your Ute tray so you can carry a ton of scrap metal? With a Ute tray you can. Want to put on an aluminium canopy from a company like Oz Canopies & 4×4 to load with a variety of tools and work gear? With a Ute tray you can. The possibilities are truly endless.  

5. Ute tubs have more off the shelf accessories. Because Ute tubs are on the majority of the Utes in the market, there are many more companies like Oz Canopies & 4×4 offering a whole heap of easy to fit aftermarket accessories for Ute tubs. These include but are not limited to: steel canopies, fiberglass canopies, roller shutters, hard lids, tub liners and more.  

6. Ute trays are sturdier and have a more resilient design. Because Ute trays are designed with much more of a utility mindset rather than an aesthetic mindset, they are much more resistant to rough and tumble use than Ute tubs.  

Ute Tub vs Ute Tray, Which One is Better? 

A Ute tub is a great low cost option for general everyday cargo carrying for most people. However, a Ute tray provides more cargo carrying capacity and more customisation options to meet specific needs.  

Unfortunately, its not possible to make a blanket statement of which is better, a Ute tub or Ute tray. At the end of the day. The choice depends on your needs as the Ute owner.  

For most consumers, the Ute tub which came included in the purchase of their dual cab Ute has more than enough storage space and usefulness for everyday needs, like carrying groceries, the kids prams and the weekend trip to bunnings.  

However, the Ute tub’s usefulness can be limited for the owner that needs their Ute to perform more specialised tasks. For example, a window glazer needs a special rig fitted to their vehicle in order to carry glass safely and efficiently.  

For this customer, a Ute tub will not be able to meet their needs, and they will need a Ute equipped with a Ute tray. The same goes for a person who needs to regularly carry pallets and other tall and large items. A Ute tub, with its limited cargo area due to smaller dimensions and the wheel cavities protruding into the cargo area will not provide a safe and effective way for this person to carry out their work.  

Ultimately, the decision of whether to proceed with a Ute tub or a Ute tray rests with you. You will need to look at what your needs and budget are and make the decision that’s going to best accommodate for your goals and desires.  

FAQs 

Is a Ute tray better than a Ute tub? 

The decision to proceed with a Ute tub or Ute tray depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a low cost, everyday cargo carrying solution, then a Ute tub will be great. If you have specific cargo carrying requirements or have to carry large amounts of cargo, a Ute tray offers more customisation options at typically a higher cost.  

Can you change a Ute tub to a Ute tray? 

Yes, and there are many companies out there that specialize in doing just that. The process involves unbolting the Ute tub from the chassis of the vehicle, removing it with a forklift or similar apparatus and then fitting a Ute tray in its place.  

What are Ute tubs made from? 

Ute tubs are made from pressed steel and welded together robotically when the Ute is built by the manufacturer.  

What are Ute trays made form? 

Ute trays are manufactured either from aluminium (lighter, higher cost option) or from steel (heavier, lower cost option).  

What is a tray back Ute? 

A tray back Ute is a Ute that is fitted with a Ute tray. A Ute tray is a flat bed fitted behind the Ute’s cabin for cargo carrying purposes.  

What is a Ute tub? 

A Ute tub is the painted cargo carrying portion behind a Ute’s cabin. Its characterising features are a drop-down tailgate with a centre handle and wheel wells protruding into the cargo area.  

Choose Oz Canopies & 4×4 for Ute Tubs and Trays 

Oz Canopies & 4×4 is a trusted provider of high-quality ute tubs and trays in Australia. With a wide selection of durable options and professional installation services, we ensure your ute is equipped for any task. 

Visit our website to shop 4×4 accessories for all explore our extensive collection of ute tub and tray accessories to find the perfect fit for your needs. Make your purchase today!